The Early Bird Catches the Worm

When I first started out on my journey to find a job in the Louisville area, I applied at Target, both in New Albany and in Clarksville.  I figured I could use it as a back-up plan.  About a week or so later, the New Albany Target called me and wanted an interview.  I went in and they offered me a position right away.  I was really frustrated and disappointed in the whole thing because they wouldn't give me any additional compensation for being employed at Target for almost 4 years.  Also, they gave me a stocking position instead of my desired salesfloor, which means that I have to go in at 5:30 in the morning, which also means going to bed around 8 p.m.  I kept trying to find the gratitude in my heart for this job, but on my drive home there was none.  I even thought about turning down the offer before my orientation.  I decided, with some convincing from my husband, that it probably wasn't a good idea since jobs can be hard to find and in about another week or so I would be kicking myself for not taking it because I would still be a home bored with probably no prospects of job offers.  Even if this job only pays rent and nothing else, at least what we would have spent on rent is money that can stay in our savings account.  After a few days from accepting the offer, I knew that it may not be the best job, but obviously the Lord has reasons for providing me with this job and not another one quite yet.  He could have easily provided me with a job I wanted immediately. 

My first day on the job went incredibly well.  Since I already have Target experience, it wasn't nearly as stressful as starting a completely new job.  Also, the lady that I was working with was awesome.  If you know my friend Ernie, this lady is her 30 years from now.  They are both funny, outgoing, loud, love the Lord, love to have fun, and both about the same size.  Once she found out that I was a Christian, the doors of conversation just opened up.  After awhile of talking to her about some of the things the Lord had been doing in both of our lives, I had to take a step back and think, "why in the world am I talking to a complete stranger about such personal things?"  Only the Lord could have placed me with her on my first day and reassure me that I'm here for a reason.  Since that day (even though I've only worked four days because of our adventure in Missouri), she never fails to come up and talk to me about how things are going and how the job search is progressing. 

I've also gotten to know several other people about my age at Target and it's nice to be getting to know some of these people (and not so nice to get to know others).   Today a lady who works early mornings with me randomly came up to me and asked if I go to school anywhere.  I told her I just graduated from a school in Hannial, MO, since clearly nobody here has ever heard of HLG so why mention it by name.  She then said "Oh, Hannibal-LaGrange??"  After I picked my jaw up from off of the floor, she told me that her step daughter graduated from HLG and also she herself was born and raised in Missouri in the Maryland Heights area.  I told her I lived in St Louis, went to school in Hannibal, and now moved here for Caleb to attend seminary.  She told me that is exactly why her and her husband moved here too.  Then she was encouraging me about the seminary wives institute, which I just so happened to sign up for last night.  She told me that it is well worth the time and worth any of the doubts I might have about it.  I then told her that I was on the job hunt and she told me that she has some Christian accountant friends that she wants to give my resume to if I bring my resume to her.  How neat is that?  And how crazy is it that we got into that conversation and I've never had much interaction with her before! 

Sure, I may hate going to bed early and hate leaving work before the sun rises and leaving Caleb at home all tucked away in bed, and I may have reason to believe I am actually allergic to Target, but I'm still reminded  that I'm working at Target for a reason.  Even if I'm not here to touch anyone else's life, they are here to touch mine and encourage me through this big life change.  God will provide me with the right job when the time is right.  Until then, I'll just go collect my worms every morning (you know, being an early bird).

I'm led to this verse constantly:
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." --James 1:2-4

A not-so-relaxing vacation

I realize it's been awhile since my last post, but life has been a little busy since then.  Last Thursday we hit the road and headed towards St Louis.  We spent the night at my parents' house and then headed to Ewing where Caleb's parents live on Friday.  Caleb got to preach at his dad's church on Sunday since his parents had left to go to Colorado.  Sunday afternoon I (sadly) left Caleb behind and headed back to St. Louis.  Caleb was going to be at youth camp all week and I opted out and went to stay with my parents.  Part of me really wanted to go to camp to be with Caleb, but looking back, it was good that I didn't.  Monday morning I was able to go visit with a dear friend from church who has been battling cancer for a long time.  That day may be the last day that I ever get to see her on this side of eternity.  She has meant so much to me during my years in the youth group and it's sad to see her losing this battle, but I'm so happy for her for what lies ahead.  Spending that time with her meant so much to me.

I also got to spend many hours visiting with other friends.  Since the last time I was in Fenton for any length of time was during Christmas break (and I was a little bit preoccupied with getting married), it has been a long time since I got to just hang out with these friends.  Some conversations were very encouraging, others were challenging, and some just full of laughs. 

Thursday morning I left St Louis and went to Camp Inlow where Caleb was at.  I couldn't wait to see him again.  We haven't gone a day without seeing each other since we got married and recently we have been spending so much time together since we moved, so it was weird to not see him or get to talk to him, other than a short conversation Tuesday night.  I spent the rest of  the day with him at camp and got to meet the crazies he was with all week.  We then went to his parents' house that night and were excited to get to see his parents for a little bit since they had just gotten home from vacation and we didnt think we were going to get to see them again since we needed to leave Friday morning. 

Friday we headed to Salem, MO for a wedding rehearsal for our friends John and Laura.  They got married outside at a beautiful lake.  Caleb was in the wedding party so I stayed with a college friend, Beth, at a hotel that since her husband was also in the wedding and the wedding party was all staying together.  It was wonderful to get to catch up with her.  We headed to the wedding on Saturday and boy was it hot!  They had a good idea by putting the wedding invitations on woven fans so that everyone was able to fan themselves.  The wedding was beautiful and I'm so happy for John and Laura. 

We were able to go to my parent's church this morning and it was so good to get to see the people there.  We spent the evening at home since we feel like we've been on the move for the past week and a half.  After my eye doctor appointment tomorrow morning we finally get to head back to Indiana.  It's been a crazy week, but it will be so good to get back home and back into a routine that includes me getting to see my husband on a more consistent basis.  :-)